Workshop on growing walnuts
Mārtiņzāle, Pilsētas laukums 4, Kuldīga
25 July 2025
10:00–13:30
Welcome to the Walnut Seminar 2025!
We are delighted to invite you to a special event dedicated to the future of walnut cultivation in the Baltic region.
Whether you are an experienced grower, an agricultural professional, or simply interested in sustainable farming — this seminar is for you!
The Walnut Seminar 2025 brings together farmers, researchers, and industry experts to share experiences, present new methods, and discuss innovative approaches to walnut growing in Northern Europe
Join us for a day filled with informative presentations, practical examples, and networking opportunities with like-minded people shaping the future of the walnut industry
What to expect
~14:00 — 16:00
Farm tour, snacks, introduction to walnut cultivation and processing
~13:40
Departure to Renda — walnut farm visit
~13:30
Visit to Kuldīga Walnut Park together with Edvards — overview of the planted trees and farm development
13:00 — 13:30
Walnut tasting for visitors
12:45 — 13:00
Closing of the seminar and thank-you remarks
12:15 — 12:45
"Viruses and phytosanitary control in fruit growing" Dr. Leonid Prodanuk
11:45 — 12:15
"Direct payments and public funding opportunities for establishing walnut plantations" Ģirts Osis (Rural Support Service — LAD)
11:30 — 11:45
Coffee break
11:00 — 11:30
"Wood chemistry, material research and innovation" Dr. Māris Lauberts
10:30 — 11:00
"Entrepreneurship and rural business experience" Edvards Ostrobrod
10:00 — 10:30
Opening of the seminar: musical performance and welcome speech
09:40 — 10:00
Arrival, registration, tea/coffee and snacks
How to Get There
Pilsētas laukums 4, Mārtiņzāle
Location:
Free parking is available directly at Mārtiņzāle
Parking:
Kuldīga is about a 2-hour drive from Riga. Easily accessible by car via roads A9 and P108
Public transport: regular buses run from Riga to Kuldīga. From the bus station or train station in Kuldīga, taxis or local transport can be used to reach Pilsētas laukums
How to Get There:
How to Get ThereAfter the seminar, there will be an excursion to the walnut grower’s farm "Bukmeķi ," where you can see practical examples of walnut cultivation and ask questions to the host
Leave your contact details and we will contact you
Māris Lauberts
Māris Lauberts is a Doctor of Analytical Chemistry and a lead researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. He has over 10 years of scientific experience in material and surface technologies, as well as in the development of analytical methods.
He actively publishes in Web of Science and Scopus indexed journals and has participated in international research projects. Previously, he also lectured at the institute, combining scientific research with the training of future specialists.
He actively publishes in Web of Science and Scopus indexed journals and has participated in international research projects. Previously, he also lectured at the institute, combining scientific research with the training of future specialists.
Leonid Prodanuk
Leonid Prodanuk is a Doctor of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor and Head of Laboratory at the Scientific and Practical Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Food Technologies in Chisinau (Moldova).
He specialises in virology, phytosanitary control and the protection of fruit orchards. He is an active member of the Ukrainian Association of Virologists and participates in international projects and conferences, developing cooperation between Moldova, Ukraine and other countries. His goal is to increase the productivity and sustainability of horticulture through the use of modern virus control technologies.
He specialises in virology, phytosanitary control and the protection of fruit orchards. He is an active member of the Ukrainian Association of Virologists and participates in international projects and conferences, developing cooperation between Moldova, Ukraine and other countries. His goal is to increase the productivity and sustainability of horticulture through the use of modern virus control technologies.
Edward Ostrobrod
Edward Ostrobod is an experienced entrepreneur and mentor with over 20 years of business management experience in agriculture, retail, and technology. He is the owner of Walnut.lv, UsmasRozes.lv, and Edolas.lv, companies that promote innovation, local production and sustainable rural entrepreneurship in Latvia.
He demonstrates leadership and implements modern business models, supports social entrepreneurship and mentors new entrepreneurs.
He demonstrates leadership and implements modern business models, supports social entrepreneurship and mentors new entrepreneurs.
Ģirts Osis
Ģirts Osis leads the South Kurzeme Regional Department of the Rural Support Service (LAD), overseeing support measures in the regions of Kuldīga, Saldus, and Liepāja. His responsibilities include administration of direct payments, coordination of public funding, evaluation of rural development projects, and cooperation with farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
At the seminar, Ģirts will present current opportunities for attracting public funding and using direct payments, including support for establishing walnut plantations and other rural business initiatives.
At the seminar, Ģirts will present current opportunities for attracting public funding and using direct payments, including support for establishing walnut plantations and other rural business initiatives.